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Civil rights landmarks

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has compiled a list of historically significant sites in the U.S. civil rights movement.

The locations chosen, including the famed Rosa Parks bus, seen here when President Obama visited April 18, 2012, represent the people and places that shaped this critical time in American history.

The National Trust's list identifies five sites that have been well preserved, as well as five that are currently considered endangered.

Credit: Pete Souza/White House Photo via Getty Images

Rosa Parks Bus

Rosa Parks' brave decision to not give up her bus seat to a white passenger on Dec. 1, 1955, led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, an action that sparked the modern civil rights movement.

The actual bus Parks' rode was discovered decades later, rotting in a field. In 2002, the historic vehicle was restored to its original condition by the Henry Ford museum in Dearborn, Mich.

Credit: Courtesy National Trust for Historic Preservation

Daisy Bates house

The "Little Rock Nine" were the brave, young students famous for integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. Daisy Bates was their leader and her home became the base for the battle to integrate the school. Today, Bates' house is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Credit: Courtesy L.C. and Daisy Bates Museum Foundation, Inc.

Lorraine Hotel

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the figurehead of the American civil rights movement. On April 4, 1968, King was assassinated on the balcony of his room at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tenn.

Freedom Rides Museum

Housed in a former Montgomery, Ala. bus station, this museum stands as a tribute to the bravery of the Freedom Riders. The museum location also encompasses the courthouse where former U.S. District Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr. presided over critical civil rights cases.

Credit: Courtesy Dave Coustan

F.W. Woolworth Building, Greensboro, N.C.

On Feb. 1, 1960, four young African-American men sat down at the lunch counter at this North Carolina Woolworth's. When they were refused service, they began a peaceful "sit in" protest. By the end of the week, more than 400 others had joined them. One year later, 126 cities, including Greensboro had integrated their restaurants. Today, the building is home to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum.

Credit: Courtesy International Civil Rights Center and Museum

Endangered: The Malcolm X House

This modest home in Boston, Mass. is the last known surviving childhood home of Malcolm X. The home has been largely vacant for over 30 years and is owned by the son of Ella Little-Collins, Malcolm X's half-sister.

A partnership between Historic Boston and the National Trust for Historic Preservation is planning to develop the property into graduate student housing for students of African American history, social justice or civil rights.

Credit: Courtesy Steve Dunwell

Endangered: Medgar Evers Home

This Jackson, Miss. house was home to civil rights leader Medgar Evers and his family. Evers was assassinated in the driveway of the house on June 12, 1963.

Legislation to designate the house as a unit of the National Park Service has been introduced, but has thus far not made it out of committee.

Credit: Courtesy Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Endangered: Emmett Till site

Bryant's Grocery in Money, Miss. is the site where 14-year-old Emmett Till was brutally murdered in 1955. Till was killed for supposedly whistling at a white woman who worked at the market.
Bryant's Grocery is now the first stop on the Mississippi Freedom Trail.

Credit: Courtesy Dave Barger

Endangered: Gore Hall

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have provided higher education to minority students for more than 175 years. These campuses served as important meeting places during the civil rights movement.

The Pillerman and Gore Residence Halls at West Virginia State University, built in the early 1900's, are currently facing demolition. Both sites are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Credit: Courtesy Chris Dorst/Charleston Gazette

Endangered: Paul Robeson House

Located in West Philadelphia, this home was the last residence of the African-American scholar, athlete, performer and activist Paul Robeson. Since 1994, the home has been owned and operated by the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (WPCA). The Robeson House promotes history and culture by producing exhibits, lectures and concerts.

The Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission and the White House officially recognized the museum as a national historic preservation site. The West Philadelphia Culture Alliance is currently fundraising to restore and endow the Robeson House.